Museum is VMI’s Middle Name
Well, not really—it’s actually Virginia
Military Institute. But the colorful and
rich history of the nation’s first state
sponsored military college provides plenty
of artifacts and art to fill the galleries of the
three museums owned and operated by the
academically renowned VMI.
Jackson Memorial Hall
Located in Jackson Memorial Hall, the
four galleries of the VMI Museum reveal
amazing artifacts. Don’t be startled when
you see a horse in the main gallery. Little
Sorrel, Stonewall Jackson’s mounted
warhorse is one of only a dozen historically
significant mounted horses in the world.
The world-class Henry Stewart Antique
Firearms Collection has over 400 rare
and one-of –a kind firearms—like the air
gun carried by Lewis and Clark. General
George Patton’s famous shiny helmet and
his personal M1 rifle are here.
Just a few blocks from VMI is the Stonewall
Jackson House, a part of the VMI Museum
System since 2011. When Thomas Jackson
purchased the house in 1858, he was an
upwardly mobile Victorian professor
at VMI. By 1861 the world knew him as
”Stonewall.” But the house is not about
his Civil War exploits; it’s about the life of
Thomas and Mary Anna on the eve of war.
Knowledgeable and engaging guides lead
you on a journey of their time. Tours begin
every half hour. Before you leave make sure
you spend some time in one of the cutest
museum shops in Virginia! And check out
the potato scarecrow in the garden!
Eighty miles north of Lexington, right off
I-81, you will find the third VMI Museum:
the Virginia Museum of the Civil War at
New Market Battlefield State Historical
Park. Here the VMI Cadets engaged in
Virginia Museum of the Civil War
pitched battle on May 15, 1864. The farm of
Jacob and Sarah Bushong, where the battle
took place, has been painstakingly restored.
One room of the farmhouse depicts the
quiet family parlor while another room
graphically reveals the drama of the house
serving as a hospital immediately after the
battle. The Virginia Museum of the Civil
War takes you through all four years of
conflict in the state—impressive! All three
museums are open 9 to 5 daily.
Little Sorrel (VMI Museum)
Couple walking in Jackson House garden: Explore
Stonewall Jackson’s interest in gardening at his home
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